Villains S6 E20 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on November 13, 2023November 10, 2023 by admin

Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast Cover

In Villains (S6 E20 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Warren flees, Buffy and friends grapple with Tara’s death, and Willow’s out for revenge. Or is it justice? Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) whether Villians is Buffy’s story or Willow’s; (2) why viewers might not love Season 6 Buffy as a character; (3) seamless scene endings and beginnings that move us through the story; (4) how Warren’s evil deeds contrast those done by others, first for fun, then for sympathy. La...

Seeing Red S6 E19 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on October 30, 2023October 27, 2023 by admin

In Seeing Red (S6 E19 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the geek trio feuds, Spike assaults Buffy, and Warren strikes a fatal blow. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how Spike’s actions fit his character arc; (2) themes of trust, misogyny, and being a “real man”; (3) episode bookends that maximize the heartrending final moments; and (4) an unclear main plot despite all the drama and conflict. Last Episode: Entropy Next Episode: Villains New Release: Buffy and t...

Entropy S6 E18 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on October 16, 2023November 10, 2023 by admin

In Entropy (S6 E18 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Anya and Spike connect over being rejected and Xander is once again horrible to everyone. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) locked or unresolvable conflicts in key relationships; (2) how Xander/Anya and Buffy/Spike mirror one another; (3) why Dawn is interesting and likeable in this episode; (4) engaging exposition; and (5) scene cuts for maximum emotional impact and a fast pace. Last Episode: Normal Again Next Ep...

New Release Buffy and the Art of Story Season Three Part 1

Posted on October 5, 2023October 24, 2023 by admin

Book cover Buffy and the Art of Story Season Three Part 1

New Release: Buffy and the Art of Story Season Three Part 1: Write More Gripping Plots, Characters, And Themes By Watching Buffy What can you learn about fiction writing from Buffy the Vampire Slayer? How about how to create gripping plots, characters, and themes that speak to the audience decades later? This book delves into each episode of the first half of Season Three of the cult TV series. Each chapter includes questions to help you improve your own writing and storytelling....

Normal Again S6 E17 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on October 2, 2023September 29, 2023 by admin

In Normal Again (S6 E17 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy hallucinates that she’s in a psychiatric facility and her parents are still alive. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) why a kind, compassionate character can make a scene more chilling; (2) conveying exposition the characters already know; (3) how to add new backstory to an old timeline; (4) can your plot be strong without a clear single midpoint moment? Last Episode: Hell's Bells Next Episode: Entropy...

Hell’s Bells S6 E16 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on September 18, 2023September 15, 2023 by admin

In Hell's Bells (S6 E16 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Xander and Anya head for the altar – give or take a demon or two. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) mirrors in Hell's Bells that reflect characters’ internal lives; (2) which is the main plot: Xander facing his demons, real and figurative, or Anya getting ready to be married; (3) subtle, thematic scene transitions; and (4) the return of Season 5 Spike (for now). Last Episode: As You Were Next Episode: Normal ...

As You Were S6 E15 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on September 4, 2023September 4, 2023 by admin

In As You Were (S6 E15 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Riley returns in search of a demon and forgets to tell Buffy key information. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) what seeing life through Riley’s eyes does for Buffy; (2) in character or out: Spike, Riley, and the perfect Sam; (3) why Riley looks taller – literally; and (4) at last, the cause of Buffy’s angst about Spike. Last Episode: Older And Far Away Next Episode: Hell's Bells Download free Story Struc...

Older And Far Away S6 E14 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on August 21, 2023September 4, 2023 by admin

In Older and Far Away (S6 E14 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Dawn’s feeling left out and it’s Buffy’s birthday – what could go wrong? Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how small moments create deep conflict; (2) protagonist problems; (3) two demons – no antagonists? (4) a slow story with a lot going on. Last Episode: Dead Things Next Episode: As You Were Download free Story Structure worksheets Get more content while supporting the podcast by...

Dead Things S6 E13 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on August 7, 2023August 5, 2023 by admin

In Dead Things (S6 E13 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the trio tries to frame Buffy for murder, and Buffy’s sure she came back from the dead wrong. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) whether Spike’s and Buffy’s actions fit their characters as portrayed in earlier seasons; (2) how committing crimes shapes Jonathan, Andrew, and Warren; (3) ways Buffy’s story calls back to Faith's character arc; and (4) a murder subplot enmeshed in a main plot where Buffy strives to unders...

Doublemeat Palace S6 E12 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on July 24, 2023August 18, 2023 by admin

In Doublemeat Palace (S6 E12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy gets a job and Willow struggles when Amy gives her magic as a gift. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how to create a fair fight between a villain and a superstrong protagonist; (2) layered dialogue (like Hallie’s and Anya’s) that reads differently each time you hear it; (3) when it’s okay for someone else to save your hero; (4) writing a subplot with strong, clear plot turns; and (5) why realism matters...